Counseling Courses

CO 5010 Professional Orientation, Ethics and Advocacy - 3 graduate creditsThis course examines the foundations of the counseling profession including ethics, advocacy, professional identity, and cultural competence. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and its relationship to effective counseling. Prerequisite: Matriculated in Counselor Education program or permission of the instructor.

CO 5020 Counseling Skills - 3 graduate creditsThe course is designed to help students develop basic counseling skills. Through role play, practice interviews, and tape transcriptions, students will have the opportunity to learn and practice basic counseling skills. The relationships among theory, case conceptualizations, and counseling interventions will be examined. Ethical and culturally responsive practices will be emphasized. Prerequisite or corequisite: CO 5010 or SY 6010.

CO 5030 Foundations of School Counseling - 3 graduate creditsProvides opportunities for students to understand school counselors' roles and responsibilities. Students will understand the development, organization and administration of comprehensive guidance and counseling programs. Also focuses upon decision-making within a legal and ethical context, cultural diversity and contemporary issues facing school counselors. There is a 20-hour pre-practicum field experience as part of this course. Prerequisite or corequisite: CO 5010 or SY 6010.

CO 5040 Social Behavior and Diversity - 3 graduate creditsRecognizing that social behavior occurs within an intercultural context, Counselor Education, Couples and Family Therapy, and School Psychology students will develop the basic knowledge foundations necessary to understand and influence social behavior in a diverse society. Texts, readings and learning modules have been chosen and/or designed to facilitate the student's ability to understand the nature of social behavior cross culturally.

CO 5050 Advanced Human Development - 3 graduate creditsFocuses on a life-span approach to human development and looks at the constancy and change in behavior throughout life, from conception to death. Students will study human development in the context of a multidisciplinary approach and the larger ecological context of developmental events in human behavior. This course will have four major concerns: to identify and describe the changes that occur across the life span; to explain these changes in the context of maturation, early learning, and societal factors impacting development; to review research and theoretical frameworks that have affected our way of thinking and, to study the interdependence and interrelatedness of all aspects of development.

CO 5070 Research Design in the Helping Professions - 3 graduate creditsThis course is designed to familiarize students with a variety of research principles, ethical and legal considerations, research design, methodologies of research, data analyses, and principles of program evaluation. In addition, students will be able to critically evaluate research literature, understand basics of writing a literature review, and principles outlined in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. As a result, students will be prepared to understand available research, act on that knowledge in being discriminate evaluators of research and in being able to design research projects.

CO 5080 The Counselor in the Classroom - 3 graduate creditsThis course is focused on providing school counseling students in the elementary, middle or secondary school setting with the prerequisite skills necessary for successful classroom work. Students will demonstrate competence in: knowledge of curriculum, lesson and interdisciplinary unit planning, organizing and delivering instruction, adjusting instruction for diverse learning styles, individual needs and cultures, evaluating outcomes of instruction and use of a variety of classroom management strategies. Seminars will address issues related to teaching and emphasize student reflection and evaluation of their teaching. All students will be required to complete direct observation, participation and teaching in a field placement. Discussions of ethical practice and professionalism will permeate the course.

CO 5100 Practicum - 3 graduate creditsThis course is a 100-hour field-based experience that focuses on developing competency in basic helping skills. Students will complete field experiences in approved community sites appropriate for their concentration and participate in group seminar as well as in required on-site and university supervision. Successful completion of at least 100 hours of field work, including 40 hours of direct service to clients and successful completion of the practicum course is required to be eligible for internship. Prerequisites: Completion of all courses in program contract and submission of Intent to Enroll form by departmental deadline. Pass/No Pass.

CO 5130 Psychopharmacology and the Biological Basis of Mental Health - 3 graduate creditsPsychopharmacology and the Biological Basis of Mental Health course will explore the biological influences on mental illness. This will include an examination of the physiological basis of behavior, perception, emotion and self-regulation; the current theory and research on the relationship between biological events in the central nervous system and behavior; and psychopharmacological interventions. Prerequisites: CO 5010 or SY 6010.

CO 5150 Eating Disorders Clinical - 1-3 graduate creditsThis clinical experience is a capstone course for those enrolled in the eating disorders certificate program. Students will be able to choose a focus on awareness and prevention, and education experience or a clinical experience working in an eating disorders treatment facility for 120 hours. Prerequisite: 12 credits of eating disorders certificate program. Also presented as HL 5150.

CO 5160 Eating Disorders: Awareness and Prevention - 3 graduate creditsThe focus of the course will be on increasing the student's knowledge of awareness, education, prevention and treatment of eating disorders. Discussion will include diagnostic classifications; causes of eating disorders; history, prevalence and treatment approaches to eating disorders; a discussion of a wellness/holistic approach to medical, nutritional and psychological therapies; special populations, i.e., women, children, males, athletes; prevention programs; resources; the latest research and information on becoming a coordinator of Eating Disorder Awareness and Prevention Week. Also presented as HL 5160.

CO 5170 Treatment Modalities for Eating Disorders - 3 graduate creditsThis course will be an in-depth study of the dynamics of eating disorders followed by an overview of the dominant counseling approaches used in eating disorders treatment and management. The focus will include diagnosis, psychological assessments, psychotherapeutic and other interventions, as well as clinical issues encountered in treatment. Prerequisite: CO/HL 5160. Also presented as HL 5170.

CO 5180 Nutrition Fundamentals and Counseling in the Recovery of Eating Disorders - 3 graduate creditsThis course will focus on nutritional education issues relevant to those interested in health and wellness for the general population, as well as those working with eating disorders clients. Discussion will include: basic concepts of nutrition science and nutritional needs, evaluation of weight management methods, investigation of food facts and fallacies, different diet plans, i.e. vegetarian, sports nutrition. Information will be presented on how the nutritionist, counselor or health educator applies nutritional information to their clients or students. The course will also include how to present information in nutritional counseling and education for the eating disorder client. Prerequisite: CO/HL 5160 or permission of instructor. Also presented as HL 5180.

CO 5190 Medical and Physiological Aspects of Eating Disorders - 3 graduate creditsThe focus of the course will be to increase the student's knowledge of the effects eating disorders have on the body's medical systems and the physiologic function. Discussion will include diagnostic criteria and a multidisciplinary, integrative approach to assessment and management of each disorder. Emphasis will be placed on the evaluation of each body system, as well as prevention and treatment of medical complications. Prerequisite: CO/HL 5160. Also presented as HL 5190.

CO 5230 Career Counseling and Development - 3 graduate creditsAn introduction to career development theories and their application to the counseling process. Students will understand and utilize career information and assessments as they pertain to counseling and career development. Students will apply theory and practice to current or potential work settings. There is a 20-hour pre-practicum field experience as part of this course.

CO 5260 Counseling Theories and Personality - 3 graduate creditsThis course is designed to be a comparative and critical in-depth analysis of personality and counseling theories, including interrelationships, philosophical foundations, and practical application. Individual, familial, and systemic models are presented along with dynamics and issues that reflect cross theoretical perspectives. Students will be required to compare and contrast counseling theories and strategies, consider appropriate application of these strategies in diverse populations, and develop a personal model for providing help and facilitating behavioral change.

CO 5310 Strategies for Parenting Education - 3 graduate creditsThis course involves the planning of a parenting education program. Students will develop a parenting education proposal that will include the curriculum, delivery approaches, site, population and outcomes assessment. The curriculum will be based on research on a variety of parenting education models, incorporating features of these models into their own particular situations (e.g., schools, agencies or hospitals) and their respective populations (e.g., expectant parents or parents of preschoolers, school age children, adolescents or children with learning challenges). This course will be taught as an individual enrollment except when there is sufficient enrollment to offer it as a regular course.

CO 5360 Interpersonal and Group Process - 3 graduate creditsDevelopment and awareness of behavioral skills that facilitate positive socioemotional-educational growth within interpersonal and group contexts and the development of an understanding of interpersonal and group processes.

CO 5430 Assessment for Counselors - 3 graduate creditsHow to understand and interpret the principles of assessment. Students will learn to analyze the psychometric properties of commonly used assessments. They will learn to administer, score, and interpret social/emotional assessments; analyze the data, and prepare a written report. Special consideration will be given to the treatment of minority popluations and children with disabilities. Prerequisites: CO 5010 and CO 5070.

CO 5460 Group Counseling - 3 graduate creditsThis course provides a comprehensive understanding of theory, practice, and ethics in group counseling across the lifespan within clinical, school and other professional settings. This course provides students an opportunity to develop group counseling skills through classroom facilitation and supervision. In addition to the didactic portion of this class students will also participate as group members in an in-class 10-hour facilitated experiential group process. Prerequisite or corequiste: CO 5010 or SY 6010, and CO 5260.

CO 5560 Special Topics in Counseling - 1-3 graduate creditsThis course offers an in-depth study of a particular topic, contemporary issue or concern. The course will be taught by a specialist within the field being studied. A faculty member can also coordinate a series of guest speakers who will meaningfully address the topic. Since topics vary, the course may be repeated with permission of the instructor.

CO 5570 Mindfulness Meditation: Theory and Practice - 3 graduate creditsDesigned to review the theory and practice relative to mindfulness meditation. Focus on the practice of the body scan, sitting meditation, healing meditation, eating meditation and walking meditation. Extended periods of meditation practice each day are interspersed with group discussions, presentations and small group work. Provides students with the theories surrounding the use of meditation as a healing tool while at the same time providing an opportunity for students to learn and practice meditation techniques. Focus will be on: learning the theories of mindfulness meditation; learning and practicing mindfulness techniques; incorporating mindfulness practice into our personal and professional lives; the authentic use of mindfulness practice as a teaching tool. Also Winterim and summer. Students are required to pay additional fees to participate in this course.

CO 5590 Transpersonal Psychology - 3 graduate creditsTranspersonal Psychology addresses aspects of mind and behavior that transcend individual ego and personal identity. This course considers the dimensions of consciousness, the implications of transpersonal experiences and the connection between psychology and spirituality. Class members gain an understanding of the fundamental assumptions underlying transpersonal theory and skills in applying theory to facilitate growth, health and well being.

CO 5610 Circle of Life: Living and Dying Well - 3 graduate creditsThe course is designed to facilitate the learning of individuals who intend to work in professions related to wellness. The topic of death and dying will be addressed in a comprehensive way with an emphasis on the development of compassion for individuals and their life experiences. The course will also address the topic of living well and making choices that may increase happiness and decrease suffering. The course will offer students time to examine their own beliefs and understanding of death as well as learn how the medical profession and caring communities
can assist those experiencing the dying process. The course will also offer readings and discussions that will help students to identify ways they would like to be living their own life with an emphasis on increasing their sense of wellbeing regarding their mind, body and spirit.

CO 5620 Spiritual Health - 3 graduate creditsSpiritual Health provides an opportunity to explore the role of the spiritual dimensions of wellness. A process of inquiry will help you better understand the spiritual dimension of self and the relationship of spirit to the health and healing process.

CO 5670 Working with Children and Families - 3 graduate creditsThis course is designed to help students understand the foundational models and associated techniques of relational therapy and counseling youth. Basic principles, concepts, and assumptions inherent in each of the foundational models will be explored as well as the implications for practice. Issues that affect contemporary families and youth and the associated empirically validated treatment will be explored. Required course for MS students in the clinical mental health counseling and couples and family therapy tracks. Prerequisites CO 5010 or SY 6010 and CO 5260, or permission of the instructor.

CO 5710 Crisis and Trauma Counseling - 3 graduate creditsThis course will examine models of crisis intervention and trauma treatment. Students will learn how to evaluate risk factors, how to determine and utilize resources, and how to apply treatment interventions. Prerequisite: CO 5010.

CO 5730 Addictions Treatment Modalities - 3 graduate creditsThis course will examine the study of current therapeutic modalities essential in the treatment of substance use disorders. Current treatment modalities such as Contingency Management, Brief Interventions, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy will be explored and provide students with the knowledge, skills, and sensitivity to practice in the area of addictions. Prerequisite: CO 5720.

CO 5740 Seminar and Internship in Addictions Treatment - 3 graduate creditsThis course provides students with clinical counseling experiences, specializing in the treatment of addictions, under the supervision of a Masters Lisensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (MLADC) and conducted in a setting which provides substance use treatment and/or counseling for persons with dual diagnosis of addictions and mental health disorders. In addition to the 300 hour field requirement, students will meet regularly with fellow interns and their university supervisor for group supervision. This course is designed to be the culminating experience in the Addictions Treatment Certificate. Prerequisites: CO 5720 and CO 5730. Pass/No Pass.

CO 5770 Psychopathology: Disorders of Childhood, Adolescence and Adulthood - 3 graduate creditsCourse provides a clear, balanced presentation of the psychology of abnormal behavior including current theoretical models, research, clinical experiences, therapies and controversies. Enables student to understand psychological/psychiatric disorders as discrete clinical conditions and to be able to apply differential diagnoses. Fall.

CO 5780 Working with Youth and Systems - 3 graduate creditsThis course is designed to help students develop basic approaches, techniques, and advocacy for counseling children and adolescents. The course emphasizes student conceptualization of common issues, pathology, and behavior that occur in youth and the application of therapeutic skills and techniques to utilize when intervening. The course also emphasizes the therapeutic involvement of significant others with children in a variety of systems. Required course for students in the school counseling, marriage and family therapy, and school psychology programs. Prerequisite: CO 5010 or SY 6010, CO 5050, or permission of the instructor.

CO 5800 Counseling Internship - 1-6 graduate creditsAn internship for students in the Self-Designed concentration of the Counselor Education program. Students are expected to gain experience in the area of specialization chosen for the degree concentration. The internship is designed to be the culminating experience of the program. Prerequisite: Completion of all major required courses and permission of the instructor.

CO 5810 Human Relations Practicum - 3 graduate creditsThis course is a 100-hour field-based experience that focuses on developing competency in human relations. Students will complete field experiences in approved community sites based on their interest area. Prerequisites: Completion of all core courses as listed in the Human Relations program contract. Pass/No Pass.

CO 5850 Seminar and Internship in School Counseling - 1-6 graduate creditsPersonal, educational and career guidance and counseling experiences performed under supervision of a certified counselor and conducted in a public school setting. In addition to the required field experiences totaling 600 hours, students must attend seminar meetings on campus with fellow student interns and the Plymouth supervisor to exchange viewpoints and feedback. Designed to be the culminating experience in the Counselor Education program. Prerequisite: Completion of all required courses, school counseling and consent of instructor. Pass/No Pass.

CO 5880 Seminar and Internship in Mental Health Counseling - 1-12 graduate creditsA 600-hour clinical counseling experience under supervision and conducted in a mental health counseling setting. Students must attend an on-campus seminar with fellow student interns that provides an opportunity for case presentation and professional development. Designed to be the culminating experience in the Mental Health Counseling concentration. Students must provide evidence of liability insurance. Prerequisites: completion of all required courses in the Mental Health Counseling concentration and consent of the Plymouth internship supervisor. Variable and repeatable. Pass/No Pass.

CO 5910 Independent Study in Counselor Education - 1-3 graduate creditsEnrichment of the background of students in education through the pursuit of a special topic pertinent to their interests and abilities. An opportunity for an in-depth study of a problem in the field of education. Consent of a faculty supervisor, the department chair and the Associate Vice President of Graduate Studies is required.

CO 6900 Graduate Capstone Project - 3 graduate creditsThe purpose of the graduate capstone in the Personal and Organizational Wellness and the Human Relations program is to apply knowledge learned in previous coursework through an approved project. Students will select a topic area specific to individual or organization health or individual or group dynamics. Student capstones must be approved by the advisor and they should plan about 40 hours of work for the three credit course. Candidates must submit the Graduate Capstone Project form with their course registration. Once the Capstone is completed, students will present their final project to other students, their advisor, and/or PSU faculty members.

CO 7010 Dynamic Play Therapies - 1 graduate creditsThis course provides a broad overview of the major theories of play therapy. It covers the history of play therapy, therapeutic properties of play, developmental perspectives, beliefs, and techniques. Discussion and case histories will demonstrate the application of these theories to the playroom. Class format includes lectures, discussions, experimental practice and self-reflection.

CO 7020 Child Centered Play Therapy - 1 graduate creditsStudents are prepared with therapeutic skills and experience in implementing Child Centered theory in the play therapy process. Class format includes lectures, discussions, personal reflection, skill development and videotape of a session demonstrating skills for group supervision.

CO 7030 Expressive Play Therapies - 1 graduate creditsCourse participants will gain skills in the use of metaphoric play therapies. A broad overview of expressive methods including sand tray therapy, bibliotherapy, and puppet play will be explored and related to current play theraphy theoretical models. Class format includes lectures, discussions, sand tray exploration and skill development.

CO 7040 Special Populations in Play Therapy - 1 graduate creditsThis course offers an in depth study of special client populations including spectrum disorders, sensory deficits, ADHD, and children with dysregulation and anger issues. Efficacy-based play therapy methods and assessments will be discussed. Class format includes lectures, discussions, reflections, case histories and skill development.

CO 7120 Professional, Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling - 3 graduate creditsThe study of professional, legal and ethical issues facing clinical mental health counselors. Focus will be on developing professional identity, learning about ethical principles and standards underlying the profession, and being able to apply the law as it relates to the practice of counseling.

CO 7210 Practicum in Play Therapy - 3 graduate creditsThis post-graduate course is designed as an intensive experience in advanced training in play therapy counseling skills in the work with children. Classes will be a combination of discussion, video presentation, case presentation, personal reflection, tape reviews and group supervision. Students will have the opportunity to conduct parent interviews, creating treatment plans and provide observations of each child in this learning experience. Prerequisites: CO 7010 and CO 7020.

CO 7560 Counselor Education: Special Topics - 1-4 graduate creditsThis course offers an in-depth study of a particular topic, contemporary issue or concern. The course will be taught by a specialist within the field being studied. A faculty member can also coordinate a series of guest speakers who will meaningfully address the topic. Since topics vary, the course may be repeated with permission of the instructor.